Back in the Day: May 8th - Ian Wright Kisses the Arsenal Badge in 1993 & the Holmesdale Rd Terrace Witnesses Final Match in 1994

Back in the Day

Tuesday, 8 May, 2018

Saturday 8th May 1993

Arsenal 3-0 Crystal Palace

Premier League – Att: 25,255

Manager: Steve Coppell

Crystal Palace travelled to Arsenal knowing that a point would keep them safe from the drop. Steve Coppell’s men sat three points clear of Oldham, a gap that had been nine points the last time Palace had kicked a ball in anger, but the Latics were at home to lowly Southampton.

After just nine minutes disaster struck from the most painful of sources. Ian Wright raced away and slotted the ball past Nigel Martyn before wheeling away in celebration and kissing the Arsenal badge in front of the Palace fans. Wright has since said that this is the only thing that he regrets from his playing days.

Palace held on until the last ten minutes but Paul Dickov (82) and Kevin Campbell (89) scored which meant that Palace were looking towards Boundary Park. Oldham were 4-2 up.

Matthew Le Tissier completed his hat-trick in the 85th minute to give Palace hope. All credit to Southampton, they looked for a leveller but it did not come and Oldham had completed the greatest of escapes at the expense of Palace.

Sunday 8th May 1994

Crystal Palace 0-2 Watford

League Division One – Att: 28,694

Manager: Alan Smith

Andy Hessenthaler (58) and Tommy Mooney (87) scored second-half goals to give the visitors the three points, but their win could not spoil the festival atmosphere at Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace were presented with the Division One trophy – a fitting sight for the Holmesdale Road terrace in its final match. The open-topped end would be demolished and replaced over the next 18 months with a two-tier structure.